50 Essential Korean Expressions

Sun Jul 28 2024

Here are 50 essential Korean expressions using 존댓말, which will help you navigate daily conversations politely and respectfully.

In Korea, there are two primary speech levels: 존댓말 (polite/high) and 반말 (casual/low). While casual speech is acceptable among close friends or with mutual consent, it’s customary to use 존댓말 in most situations, especially when speaking to someone older or in formal settings.

안녕하세요? - Hello.

감사합니다. - Thank you.

죄송합니다. - I’m sorry.

네. - Yes.

아니요. - No.

괜찮아요. - It’s okay.

만나서 반갑습니다. - Nice to meet you.

잘 지냈어요? - How have you been?

안녕히 가세요. - Goodbye (to someone leaving).

안녕히 계세요. - Goodbye (to someone staying).

여보세요? - Hello (on the phone).

도와주세요. - Please help me.

실례합니다. - Excuse me.

얼마예요? - How much is it?

어디예요? - Where is it?

알겠어요. - I understand.

다시 말해 주세요. - Please say it again.

잠시만요. - Just a moment.

조심하세요. - Be careful.

사랑해요. - I love you.

식사하셨어요? - Have you eaten?

좋은 하루 되세요. - Have a good day.

잘 부탁드립니다. - Please take care of me.

축하합니다. - Congratulations.

잘 자요. - Good night.

맛있게 드세요. - Enjoy your meal.

고생하셨습니다. - Thank you for your hard work.

힘내세요. - Cheer up.

편안히 쉬세요. - Rest well.

천천히 하세요. - Take your time.

뭐 드실래요? - What would you like to eat?

행복하세요. - Be happy.

이해했어요? - Do you understand?

물 좀 주세요. - Please give me some water.

좋아해요. - I like it.

싫어해요. - I don’t like it.

무슨 일이에요? - What’s the matter?

괜찮으세요? - Are you okay?

어디에서 오셨어요? - Where are you from?

문제 없어요. - No problem.

기다려 주세요. - Please wait.

도와드릴까요? - Can I help you?

같이 가요. - Let’s go together.

정말 감사합니다. - Thank you very much.

언제 시간이 괜찮으세요? - When are you available?

어디 아프세요? - Are you hurt?

지금 바쁘세요? - Are you busy right now?

조용히 해 주세요. - Please be quiet.

지금 몇 시예요? - What time is it now?

사진 찍어도 돼요? - May I take a photo?